Match of the Day 2 Season 8, Episode 15: December 11th, 2011

1

August 14th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights of the day's top-flight games. Premier League champions Manchester United begin the defence of their crown with a trip to West Brom. The Baggies were the only visiting team to claim a league point at Old Trafford last season, but their home record against the Red Devils is less impressive - United have won their last seven league games at the Hawthorns. The reigning champions have bolstered their squad this summer with the signings of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hopeful of securing a fifth Premier League title in six seasons. Chelsea's first game under new manager Andre Villas-Boas is an awkward trip to Stoke, who were last season's beaten FA Cup finalists. Villas-Boas arrived at Stamford Bridge after a hugely successful season with FC Porto, prompting inevitable comparisons with Jose Mourinho, who led the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles.

60 min

2

August 21st, 2011

Colin Murray is joined by Lee Dixon and John Hartson for highlights from the day's three Premier League matches, including the game between Bolton and Manchester City. It's a quick return to the Reebok Stadium for City, whose 2-0 win over the Trotters on the final day of last season helped them secure a third-place finish. Premier League football returns to Carrow Road for the first time since 2005 as Norwich take on Stoke. Paul Lambert's side were the surprise package in last season's Championship, but they face a real step up in class against the Potters, who were beaten finalists in the FA Cup final back in May. The day's other game is at Molineux, where Fulham take a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mick McCarthy's men narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of last season, and his Wolves side will be hungry to get points on the board quickly this year. There is also a chance to catch up on all yesterday's goals and talking points.

60 min

3

August 28th, 2011

Colin Murray is joined by Alan Hansen and Lee Dixon for highlights of the day's four Premier League matches, including Manchester United against Arsenal and Tottenham versus Manchester City. Champions United twice beat Arsenal at Old Trafford last season, in the league and FA Cup, and have strengthened their squad in the summer with the big-money additions of David de Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones. By contrast, Arsenal endured a turbulent off-season, with the futures of unsettled pair Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri dominating the headlines. However, the Gunners deservedly beat United when they last met in May and their encounters over the years have usually been tight. Tottenham are unbeaten at home to Manchester City since 2003, but were usurped in the top four by Roberto Mancini's side last season. Ambitious City have again spent big this summer as they seek to win the league title, with Argentine forward Sergio Aguero becoming their record signing.

60 min

4

September 11th, 2011

Colin Murray presents highlights from the day's two Premier League matches as well as a review of all the goals and talking points from Saturday's top-flight games. It is six years since Norwich and West Brom met in the Premier League - the Canaries edged a 3-2 victory that day but have lost three of the four subsequent Championship meetings. The day's other game sees Fulham host Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage - it was also 3-2 when those teams last met in March. A controversial last-minute penalty enabled Bobby Zamora to clinch victory for Fulham, which led to a red card for Rovers' defender Gael Givet, who was furious with referee Mark Clattenburg's decision to award a spot-kick.

60 min

5

September 18th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights from one of the biggest games of the Premier League season, Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford. Between them they have won the last seven league titles and it was United's 2-1 win in this fixture last season that all but clinched the championship for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Plus highlights from Tottenham v Liverpool, Sunderland v Stoke and Manchester City's match at Fulham, with City looking for a repeat of last season's emphatic 4-1 win.

60 min

6

September 25th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights of the day's Premier League game between Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa. QPR won promotion from the Championship last season, so this will be Villa's first top-flight game away to Rangers for 16 years. The London club made a terrible start to life in the Premier League, suffering a 4-0 home defeat to Bolton, but since then manager Neil Warnock has brought in several experienced players, including ex-Villa full-back Luke Young and former Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton. Villa lost two of their best players in the close season, with Ashley Young sold to Manchester United and Stewart Downing departing to Liverpool. However, new manager Alex McLeish can still count on the predatory skills of England striker Darren Bent, along with new summer signing Charles N'Zogbia.

60 min

7

October 2nd, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights from a busy day of Premier League action. White Hart Lane is the venue for the 189th north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal, where last season Rafael van der Vaart's 70th-minute penalty rescued a point for Spurs in an engrossing 3-3 draw. Across the capital, west London neighbours Fulham and Queens Park Rangers meet in the top flight surprisingly for the first time, while Chelsea travel north to Bolton and new boys Swansea entertain Stoke. As always, there is a review of the best of the action from Saturday's games with opinion and analysis from MOTD2 regular Lee Dixon.

60 min

8

October 16th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights from the day's Premier League games, with Lee Dixon and Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock offering their views on the action. Mick McCarthy's Wolves make the short trip to The Hawthorns for a Black Country derby with West Brom. Last season's corresponding fixture was the first time the two sides had met in the top flight since 1984, and it ended in a 1-1 draw as Roy Hodgson took charge of the Baggies for the first time. Arsenal meet Sunderland at The Emirates where last season the Black Cats held the Gunners to a hard earned goalless draw. This season both sides have struggled and need the points as they have not had the best of starts in the league. The day's third game sees Tottenham travel to Newcastle where the London side have not won since August 2004. Last season's meeting between the two at St James's Park ended in a 1-1 draw after Aaron Lennon's injury time strike cancelled out Fabricio Coloccini's goal.

60 min

9

October 23rd, 2011

Colin Murray introduces all the goals, highlights and talking points from a busy day in the Premier League. The five games include the Manchester derby. Clashes between United and City are always eagerly anticipated, but even more so this year after the terrific starts both clubs have made to the season. Many observers believe the title will be fought out between these two sides so this clash at Old Trafford is a massive game. There is also another local derby taking place with Chelsea visiting west London neighbours QPR for the first time in 15 years. Arsenal - who have not had the best of starts in the league - host Stoke, while the day's other two games see Harry Redknapp's Tottenham travel to struggling Blackburn and Martin Jol's Fulham take on David Moyes's Everton at Craven Cottage. As ever, there is a full review of Saturday's goals and incidents with expert analysis from Lee Dixon and Alan Hansen.

60 min

10

October 30th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights and reaction from Premier League games - including the London derby between Tottenham and QPR. Spurs and QPR renew their rivalry after a 16-year gap - and if you check the history books, you will see the two clubs have three wins apiece from their previous Premier League meetings. However, this fixture is best known for the 1982 FA Cup final, when Spurs needed a replay to overcome their then lower division opponents. Expert opinion and analysis comes from Lee Dixon and Mark Lawrenson - and there is also a comprehensive review of Saturday's eight games.

60 min

11

November 6th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights and reaction from three Premier League matches which include the London derby between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Fulham boss Martin Jol will have approached this match with relish given he was manager of Tottenham for three years. Still a hugely popular figure among Spurs fans, the Dutchman will put sentiment to one side as he bids to end Fulham's dismal run in league fixtures between these sides. The Cottagers have only beaten Tottenham in one of their last 10 league matches, but they triumphed easily against Harry Redknapp's side 4-0 in the FA Cup last season. The other fixtures include struggling Bolton hosting Stoke at the Reebok Stadium and Wigan travelling to the Midlands to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. As always there will also be a review of all the goals and incidents from Saturday's matches - with the analysis led by MOTD2 regular, Lee Dixon.

60 min

12

November 20th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights and reaction from the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a round-up of Saturday's action. The hosts, led by young Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas, see qualification for the Champions League as the very minimum of their league ambitions for this season. Achieving that feat would satisfy the thirst of Liverpool's loyal army of followers, who can only see a bright future under Kenny Dalglish. This match at Stamford Bridge should give an indication of how both might fare come May.

60 min

13

November 27th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights and reaction from the Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City, and Swansea City v Aston Villa.

60 min

14

December 4th, 2011

Everton host Stoke looking to preserve a seven-match unbeaten home record against the Potters, a run of results that stretches back 30 years. Stoke travel to Goodison Park looking to improve on their away form which has been poor so far this season. At Molineux, Wolves hope to extend their winning run against Sunderland to three league games and gain more precious points in their bid to keep out of danger in the bottom half of the table. Steve Bruce's Black Cats meanwhile have been inconsistent so far this season and have struggled away from home, registering just one win on their travels.

60 min

15

December 11th, 2011

Colin Murray presents highlights of Sunday's two games from the Premier League, which saw Sunderland host Blackburn and Stoke welcome Tottenham.

60 min

16

December 18th, 2011

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's busy four match Premier League schedule. Title contenders City have failed to score in their last three league games against the Gunners, but with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli among the goals this season, they will be confident of ending that run. Arsenal's last visit to Manchester saw them concede eight goals against Manchester United, and the Gunners have not won at City since 2008 - so history seems against them. City's neighbours, Manchester United are also in action against London opposition, with Sir Alex Ferguson's title chasing outfit hitting the road and taking on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Neil Warnock's side have had a solid start in their return to top flight but they have not beaten the Red Devils since a famous 4-1 win on New Year's Day back in 1992.

60 min

17

January 1st, 2012

Colin Murray is joined by Dion Dublin and John Hartson for highlights and analysis of the first Premier League fixtures of 2012. There will also be a chance to catch up with all the goals and highlights from Saturday's games. West Brom and Everton have the honour of playing the opening match of the New Year with an early kick-off at the Hawthorns. Both sides have not started this campaign in particularly good form, but they will be looking to make confident strides in the second half of the season. In the day's other kick-off, Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have a poor home record this season and City have lost just once at the Stadium of Light in their last six visits.

60 min

18

January 15th, 2012

Jake Humphrey introduces highlights from the day's Premier League matches. Two of last season's promoted sides were in action as Mark Hughes took his QPR team to the north-east for a clash with the current campaign's surprise package, Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Liberty Stadium was the place to be for the purists as Brendan Rodgers' easy-on-the-eye Swansea outfit took on Arsenal. Plus, another chance to catch up on the goals from Saturday's games.

60 min

19

January 22nd, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's two huge Premier League games between Manchester City and Tottenham and Arsenal versus Manchester United. Both London clubs will be looking for revenge after suffering early-season thrashings in these fixtures a few months ago while the two Manchester sides will be looking for maximum points to maintain their title challenges. As ever, there will also be a comprehensive round-up of the weekend's action - and in the studio Colin will be joined by analysts Lee Dixon and Alan Hansen.

60 min

20

February 5th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's two matches from the Premier League: Chelsea at home against Manchester United and Newcastle's clash against Aston Villa. As well as comprehensive highlights from those two games, Colin and his guests as ever will look back at all the goals and major talking points from Saturday's seven matches.

60 min

21

February 12th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's two Premier League matches, which see Manchester City travel to Aston Villa and a West Midlands derby between Wolves and West Brom at Molineux. Manchester City were comfortable 4-1 winners when they hosted Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in October, but that was when they were in the middle of a scintillating run of form that saw them win 11 of their first 12 league games. Roberto Mancini's side have stuttered a bit since then, something that will give Villa manager Alex McLeish hope. There's never any lack of passion in a Black Country derby and the stakes are even higher this time as Wolves and West Brom go in search of points that will ease their relegation fears. Mick McCarthy's men won this fixture 3-1 last season, but the Baggies took the spoils at the Hawthorns in October, and are looking for their first top-flight double over Wolves for 30 years.

60 min

22

February 26th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's three Premier League matches. Arsenal host north London rivals Tottenham, Manchester United travel to Norwich, and Stoke welcome Swansea to the Potteries. Spurs have recently turned the tables on their rivalry with Arsenal, sitting higher in the table than the Gunners for much of this season. Their run of good form began back in early October when Kyle Walker's fierce late strike gave Tottenham a 2-1 win in a frenetic north London derby at White Hart Lane. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester United continue the defence of their title with a visit to Norwich, who have impressed with some fine results this season since being promoted back to the top flight. Swansea travel to Stoke hoping to improve on an erratic away record in their first ever season in the Premier League. Colin and guests also look back at the goals and talking points from Saturday's six matches.

60 min

23

March 4th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's three Premier League games, including the crucial match between Tottenham and Manchester United at White Hart Lane. The reigning champions beat Spurs 3-0 back in August, but Harry Redknapp's side have recovered to mount a sustained title challenge. It is 11 years since Tottenham last beat United, but with world-class players such as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale at their disposal, Spurs can be a match for any team on their day. Sir Alex Ferguson's men have enjoyed facing London sides so far this season, winning six of seven league games against opposition from the capital, with the only exception their remarkable 3-3 draw with Chelsea. Wolves head south to face Fulham at Craven Cottage, where they have not won a top-flight fixture since 1967, and the day's early kick-off sees high-flying Newcastle play in-form Sunderland. The match will be Martin O'Neill's first Tyne-Wear derby since taking charge of the Black Cats in December.

60 min

24

March 11th, 2012

Colin Murray presents the best of the action from the day's three crucial Premier League clashes which have huge significance at both ends of the table. It is a massive day in terms of who will win this season's Barclays Premier League as title chasing Manchester City and Manchester United are both in action - with City facing a tough trip to Swansea, while United host West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. The two Manchester sides have set the pace from the start of the season and both will be wanting to pile the pressure on each other as the run-in hots up. There is a crucial game also for relegation threatened Wigan, with Roberto Martinez's side travelling to Norwich. Wigan have struggled throughout this season and are once again in great danger. They escaped the drop on the last day of last season - they will be aiming for maximum points to maintain their hopes of survival again this time.

60 min

25

March 18th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of today's two Premier League matches. United were comprehensive 4-1 winners when Wolves visited Old Trafford in December - but the Molineux faithful will remember last season's fixture when the men in gold inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Sir Alex Ferguson's side, a result which lifted Wolves off the bottom of the table, and proved vital in their narrow escape from relegation. The Midlands side, who last month sacked Mick McCarthy and gave his assistant Terry Connor the top job until the end of the season, are in another relegation battle in this campaign - and another famous victory could once again prove crucial. Newcastle have had a brilliant season under manager Alan Pardew and a win today would keep up their hopes of qualifying for European football.

60 min

26

March 25th, 2012

Colin Murray introduces highlights from the day's Premier League fixture between West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United at the Hawthorns. The two clubs are meeting for a 12th occasion in the Premier League era and goals have been a prerequisite in those previous encounters with on average over three goals being scored per game. The Baggies are undefeated in three matches against the Magpies since the two clubs returned to the top flight together in 2010.

60 min

27

April 1st, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's Premier League fixtures between Newcastle and Liverpool, and Tottenham against Swansea. Both Newcastle and Liverpool are vying for a top-six finish and European qualification, a target that would exceed Newcastle's pre-season expectations, but one which would be considered a minimum requirement by the Reds. Liverpool's season has been undermined by a lack of goals, and all eyes will be on struggling 35m pound striker Andy Carroll as he returns to his former club for the first time since his British record transfer. Champions League-chasing Tottenham play host to a Swansea side which has exceeded expectation since promotion to the Premier League. The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture but Swansea go into this game seeking their first ever league victory at White Hart Lane. As ever there will be a review of the previous day's goals and incidents, with expert analysis provided by Mark Lawrenson.

60 min

28

April 8th, 2012

Colin Murray is joined by studio guests, Robbie Savage and Lee Dixon, for highlights of the day's Premier League fixtures between Manchester United and QPR, and Arsenal and Manchester City. Both Manchester clubs are fighting for the title with differing motivations - Sir Alex Ferguson's team want to extend their record by winning a 20th league championship, while Roberto Mancini's side are aiming to win a first top flight title in 44 years. United beat QPR 2-0 at Loftus Road when they last met on 18 December, the same day City beat Arsene Wenger's team by a solitary goal in that reverse fixture. As usual, there will also be a review of all the goals and action from Saturday's seven games.

60 min

29

April 15th, 2012

Colin Murray presents highlights of the day's Premier League action as champions Manchester United met Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's side continue their pursuit of a twentieth league title against a Villa team they beat 1-0 in December. Villa's Premier League security is still not assured - their form has dipped lately and manager Alex McLeish will be hoping for some joy - but at Old Trafford, picking up points is never easy. There is also another chance to catch up with all the goals and incidents from Saturday's games.

60 min

30

April 22nd, 2012

Colin Murray introduces highlights from the day's three Premier League fixtures, with analysis from Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage and special guest, Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. Manchester United welcomed Everton to Old Trafford looking to complete their first league double over the Merseysiders since the 2007/08 season. In the three campaigns that have followed, the Toffees have frequently frustrated United and were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Goodison Park in October. Javier Hernandez scored the winning-goal but Leighton Baines struck the bar for David Moyes's side. Fellow title challengers Manchester City were also in action travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves, a venue that has not been a happy hunting ground in previous seasons as City have suffered two defeats from three previous Premier League trips.

60 min

31

April 29th, 2012

Colin Murray introduces highlights from the day's two Premier League fixtures, with expert analysis from Lee Dixon and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis. In the early kick-off, Chelsea welcome west London rivals Queens Park Rangers to Stamford Bridge. The two sides have already clashed twice this season with honours even at one win apiece. In the day's other game, Tottenham host Blackburn in a match crucial to both sides. Spurs are chasing a top-four finish that would secure a return to the Champions League - and they will be buoyed by their excellent recent record over Rovers which has seen them lose just two of their last 16 meetings. Steve Kean's Blackburn side meanwhile have endured a tough season as they battle to avoid relegation to the Championship for the first time since 1999. A win for them today would help ease those worries. As ever, there is also a review of all the goals and incidents from Saturday.

60 min